Even during the current pandemic, you still need to be interviewed when landing a job. For the sake of safety, many companies are now offering online interviews, but some employers still insist on meeting the candidates in person. This leads to the question of how you can protect yourself from illness while still making a good impression.

Shaking hands has generally been the preferred greeting for a job interview, but in the time of a health crisis, this gesture is strongly discouraged. Before the interview, ask if the company has a preferred alternate greeting.

As with any public place, stay six feet apart from others whenever possible. Some companies may prefer interview candidates to remain in their cars until someone escorts them into the building, so make sure to ask ahead of time about the logistics of arriving.

A face mask is a must when going into any indoor establishment, but ask beforehand if the company also requires gloves or other types of restrictions. Be willing to have your temperature taken when you enter, as some companies enforce this as well.

When wearing a mask, make sure you speak at an audible volume (without shouting) and enunciate your words more than you would in a casual conversation. If you're having trouble understanding the interviewer through his or her own mask, politely ask him or her to repeat what was said.

Health is a constant priority during these challenging times. So if you're feeling under the weather, even if you're not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, the interviewer should understand that it's best for you to stay home. Ask either to reschedule the interview or if the interview can be done online.

Along with the usual job-related questions, you should also ask how the job has adjusted its safety protocols in light of the current climate. What measures has it taken to protect employees? What policies and procedures have been enacted to keep everyone safe? What would the company do if someone shows signs of COVID-19?

You should also know who to contact for any concerns about safety protocols, and how you would be informed if there are any changes.

Normally, this is not a question one should ask during an initial job interview, but in these times, the company's sick leave policy should be addressed right away. The federal government has enacted a nationwide sick leave policy, but some companies have their own variations. The employer might require a documentation of illness before the company can provide compensation.

Some sick leave policies may allow for an employee compensated time to care for a sick family member. Ask the interviewer what options you have if this should occur.

If the job field doesn't qualify as an essential industry, then the future of the position, and possibly the company, is a legitimate cause of concern. An employer should be able to share with you whether the job will likely be short-term or is intended to be a long-term hire.

Above all, stay patient and understanding. The company is likely struggling just as much to adapt to this new environment as you are. Remain courteous and professional, and thank the interviewers at the end for seeing you under these circumstances.